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jambalaya with a orzo twist

(2 RATINGS)
204 Pinches 6 Photos
Mstwinkie avatar
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Updated on Jul 5, 2012

Jambalaya originated in the Caribbean Islands. The Spanish culture mixed with the native foods and created what we know as Jambalaya. Jambalaya is traditionally made in three parts, with meats and vegetables, and is completed by adding stock and rice. It is also a close cousin to the saffron colored paella found in Spanish culture. My twist on this classic recipe is to add tomatoes and Orzo Pasta to chicken stock. This makes it more like a hearty Jambalaya soup. Enjoy!

prep time 10 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6 - 8

Ingredients

  • FROM THE PANTRY - MAKING SPECIAL SPICE BLEND
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons mrs dash garlic & herb seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon jamaican sytle jerk seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • JAMBALAYA INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 pound medium white shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 cup red, yellow, green & orange bell peppers, diced
  • 1 package johnsonville andouille smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" slices
  • 5 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 cup white onions, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 14 1/2 ounces can diced tomatoes - low sodium
  • 4 tablespoons special spice blend, divided - 2 tbsp each for chicken and shrimp
  • - olive oil for sauteing

How To Make jambalaya with a orzo twist

  • Step 1
    Directions for spice blend. Combine all ingredients together and blend well. You may also use a coffee grinder to blend your spices. I love making my own spice blend, make sure your spice rack is up to date with fresh spices and make your own blend. Store in an airtight container and use for your favorite dishes.
  • Step 2
    Step 1 Place chicken in a clean bowl and add spice seasoning over chicken and gently toss until the chicken is coated well. Then in a separate bowl, do the same thing with the shrimp. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. But cook "al dente" because you will finish cooking pasta when it is added to the jambalaya mixture.
  • Step 3
    Step 2 In a large skillet, add about 2 tbsp olive oil. Start with chicken first, place in pan and add part of the onions, garlic and peppers and sauté until it is about half done. Then remove chicken and set aside. Add more oil if required, then add the balance of onions, garlic, peppers and shrimp. Sauté until shrimp is nice a pink, but do not over cook.
  • Step 4
    Step 3 Now add to the skillet, tomatoes and chicken broth and combine with shrimp. Stir gently and add chicken back to the skillet. Continue to cook until chicken, shrimp and vegetables are tender. Let simmer for about 3 - 5 minutes. Then add orzo pasta to mixture and combine well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Step 5
    Serve your Jambalaya Place in serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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